Temporary shelter and mobile cart

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention are generally related to a mobile shelter, and more particularly to a movable storage container that converts into a shelter adequate for protection of its occupants against the elements, and optionally converts into a collapsed configuration suitable for transportation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/264,278, filed Jan. 31, 2019, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/728,948, filed Jun. 2, 2015, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,227,791, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/862,236, filed Apr. 12, 2013, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/730,161 filed onMar. 23, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,418,709, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/162,957, filed on Mar. 24, 2009. Theentirety of each of these applications is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention are generally related to a mobile shelter,and more particularly to a movable storage container that converts intoa shelter adequate for protecting humans from the elements, andoptionally converts into a collapsed configuration suitable fortransportation.

Description of the Related Art

Homelessness is an ever-present fact of life in our country. It has beenestimated that over three million people live on the streets of Americancities each year. In many communities, particularly in rural areas, fewpublic shelters exist. In America's cities, where shelters are morecommon, the shelters are often operated by philanthropic, governmental,and religious initiatives. Such shelters may not be a viable option formany of America's homeless, who are unwilling to be housed under thestipulations and conditions imposed by the entities providing theshelter.

While other temporary and permanent homeless shelters exist throughoutthe country, they generally seek to reintegrate the homeless intosociety; however, they fail to provide solutions for the significantproportion of the homeless that choose not to reintegrate, that arementally ill, or those that do not have access to such shelters.Accordingly, many of America's homeless resort to misappropriatedshopping carts, as they require mobility and a means for taking theirpersonal belongings with them as they move. As housing costs risethroughout the country, increasing numbers of individuals and familiesare forced to the streets.

Similarly, natural disasters leave countless people without shelterevery year. Throughout the world, homes are devastated by hurricanes,floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, and war. In the wake of thesedisasters, many lives are compromised as no mobile shelters are readilyavailable.

SUMMARY

While numerous carts and temporary shelters have been developed, theyhave generally been designed to either transport materials or shelterpeople, but not both. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for amobile shelter that is capable of converting from a moveable storagecontainer into a shelter that adequately protects humans from theelements. There is also a need for such mobile shelters to be easilytransportable, for example by collapsing into a configuration thatreduces the space required to transport the mobile shelter.

In several embodiments, the mobile shelter is a four-wheeled mobile unitwhich carries belongings and facilitates recycling during the day andunfolds into a special, framed tent-like sleeping enclosure with a bedat night. Several embodiments described herein provide shelter in aninnovative cost and usage effective way.

In several embodiments, the mobile shelter is used to pursue thenecessities of life during the day. Personal belongings are secured bythe use of one or more locks. The front and back of the cart mayoptionally include storage baskets with removable pouches. The unit iswaterproof and provides protection for the items it contains. The wheelsare, in some embodiments, slightly larger and easier to steer in aconsistent fashion as compared to a standard supermarket cart. In someembodiments, there are one or more brake and/or locking mechanisms whichensure that the unit will not move on its own. At night, the unit easilyhinges out and down to “Night Mode” in a short period of time (e.g.,less than 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds, 2minutes, 5 minutes, etc.), thereby becoming a sleeping unit. Unfoldingthe unit allows it to lock in place as the flat metal base extends. Themetal and wood base has a mattress and a cover (e.g., military-gradecanvas), providing a robust tent-like shelter. In several embodiments,the unit is flame-retardant, waterproof, windproof and helps protect theindividual (and/or the goods) from the elements. Optional translucentwindows provide light and a view of the surrounding area. By re-foldingthe unit, several embodiments of the device quickly return to “DayMode”. In some embodiments, one more brakes are provided in both DayMode and Night mode.

In several embodiments, the mobile shelter quickly and easily convertsto a mobile cart that is pushable by a single individual. The shelter,according to some embodiments, is constructed of materials designed toprovide temporary accommodation. The shelter's size and constructionare, in certain embodiments, designed to provide devices that are moreeconomical than standard mobile homes and recreation vehicles. Inseveral embodiments, the shelter transforms into a mobile cart fortransporting items. In other embodiments, the shelter is collapsible topermit rapid transport to areas of need (e.g., for large homelesspopulations due to natural disasters, etc).

In several embodiments, the mobile shelter comprises a chassis coupledto a plurality of wheels, at least one primary support connected to thechassis, at least one frame hingeably connected to the chassis such thatthe frame is moveable between a first mobile cart position wherein theframe is substantially perpendicular to the chassis, and a secondshelter position wherein the frame is substantially parallel to thechassis and coplanar with the chassis. A covering (preferablyweatherproof) is optionally provided to enclose at least a portion ofthe shelter. The covering may be connected to the frame and supported bythe primary support such that a weather-protected interior volume isformed, wherein the interior volume provides shelter when the frame isin the shelter position.

In some embodiments, the invention comprises a mobile shelter capable ofconverting between a first cart position, a second shelter position, anda third collapsed position. Intermediate collapsed formats, e.g. forstacking, transport, or storage are provided in some embodiments.Several embodiments comprise a chassis coupled to a plurality of wheelsand two substantially rigid primary support structures hingeablyconnected to the chassis. Each primary support structure comprises twosides that are perpendicular to the chassis in the first cart and secondshelter positions. Several embodiments also comprise a top connectingthe two sides of the primary support structure. The top comprises acenter portion that is substantially parallel to the chassis in thefirst cart and second shelter positions, and includes end portions thatextend at an angle of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees from thecenter portion towards each side of the primary support structure. Oneor both primary support structures are able to fold downwards such thatthey may lie substantially parallel to the chassis in the thirdcollapsed position. The mobile shelter further comprises two frameshingeably connected to the ends of the chassis, the frames beingmoveable among three positions. In the first position (the cartposition), the frames are substantially perpendicular to the chassis. Inthe second position (the shelter position), the frames are substantiallyparallel to the chassis and coplanar with the chassis. In the thirdposition (the collapsed position), a lowered portion of each frame liessubstantially parallel to and above the chassis. The device furthercomprises two secondary supports, one hingeably connected to each frame,moveable between the second shelter position wherein the secondarysupports are substantially perpendicular to the chassis and the thirdcollapsed position wherein the secondary supports lie between thelowered portion of the frame and the base.

In several embodiments, the mobile shelter additionally comprises aweatherproof covering enclosing at least a portion of the shelter. Insome embodiments, the covering is connected to the frame and supportedby the primary support structures and secondary supports when the cartis in the second shelter position such that a weather-protected interiorvolume is formed and the interior volume capable of sheltering theoccupant(s). In some embodiments, the mobile system is designed to houseone adult human. In other embodiments, two or more humans areaccommodated. In yet other embodiments, the shelters are designed tohouse animals.

In several embodiments, the mobile shelter is sufficiently lightweightto allow it to be moved by a single adult human when the mobile shelteris in the cart position. In one embodiment, the device weighs about 25pounds to about 200 pounds. In one embodiment, the device weighs about90 pounds to about 125 pounds, e.g., about 120 pounds. In severalembodiments, the mobile shelter is dimensioned to shelter an adultperson. The device (in the shelter position) ranges from about 5 feet toabout 12 feet in length and about 2 feet to about 6 feet in width. Insome preferred embodiments, the shelter is about 8 feet long and about 3feet wide. In several embodiments, the device (in the shelter position)is about 2 feet to about 6 feet high, preferably about 3 feet to about 5feet high. In one embodiment, the cart measures (i) about 57 inches inlength, about 34 inches in width, and about 43 inches in height in theclosed position; (ii) about 94 inches in length, about 34 inches inwidth, and about 43 inches in height in the open position; and (iii)about 47 inches in length, about 34 inches in width, and about 24 inchesin height in the collapsed position. Other dimensions may also be used.

In several embodiments, the collapsed configuration has at least onedimension that is about 10% to about 75% (e.g., about 10%-20%, about20%-30%, about 30%-40%, about 40%-50%, about 50%-60%, about 60%-75%, oroverlapping ranges therein) the size of the shelter position and/or thecart position. In one embodiment, the collapsed configuration has atleast two dimensions that are about 25% to about 50% the size of theshelter position and/or the cart position. The collapsed and/orpartially collapsed position, according to several embodiments,facilitates economical and rapid transport of the units to areas ofneed. In the collapsed and/or partially collapsed position, the unitsare stackable according to one embodiment.

The wheels have a diameter of about 2 inches to about 10 inches in someembodiments, and about 3 inches to about 5 inches in other embodiments.Smaller or larger wheels may also be used. In some embodiments, thedevice has three, four, or more wheels that may be sized identically orhave different sizes.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the mobile shelterincludes one or more storage compartments that are coupled (attached orotherwise connected) to the shelter. In other embodiments, at least onehandle is connected to the shelter. Two, three, four or more handles areprovided according to some embodiments. In several embodiments, amattress or padding is provided to enhance comfort. In certain suchembodiments, the mattress or padding is weatherproof.

In several embodiments of the invention, a method of converting a mobileshelter from a collapsed configuration to a cart configuration to ashelter configuration is provided. In some embodiments, the methodcomprises converting the mobile shelter from a collapsed configurationto a cart configuration, wherein the mobile shelter comprises a chassiscoupled to a plurality of wheels, two substantially rigid primarysupport structures hingeably connected to the chassis, two frameshingeably connected to the ends of the chassis, and two secondarysupports, one hingeably connected to each frame. The method, accordingto one embodiment, comprises: (i) raising the frames from a positionsubstantially parallel to and above the chassis to a positionsubstantially perpendicular to the chassis; (ii) raising the primarysupport structures from a position substantially parallel to the chassisto a position substantially perpendicular to the chassis; (iii)converting the mobile shelter from the cart configuration to a shelterconfiguration; (iv) lowering the frames such that the frames aresubstantially parallel to the chassis and coplanar with the chassis,wherein the frames and chassis form a substantially flat base capable ofsupporting the weight of an adult human (or desired occupant(s)); (v)raising the secondary supports from the frames such that the secondarysupports are substantially perpendicular to the base, and substantiallyparallel to the two primary supports; (vi) creating an interior volumeby attaching a weatherproof covering around the primary supports,secondary supports, and base, such that the interior volume is capableof containing and sheltering an adult human from the elements. The stepsabove need not be performed in the order indicated, and one or more ofthe steps can be omitted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the mobile shelter disclosed in thepresent application in a first configuration, also referred to herein asthe “cart configuration.”

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a mobile shelter in a secondconfiguration, also referred to herein as the “shelter configuration.”

FIG. 3A illustrates a plurality of stacked mobile shelters.

FIG. 3B illustrates one embodiment of a mobile shelter in a thirdconfiguration, also referred to herein as the “collapsed configuration.”

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a mobile shelter in the shelterconfiguration with a weatherproof covering.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a mobile shelter in the cartconfiguration with a weatherproof covering.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, the mobile shelter comprises a wheeled cart capableof multiple configurations, including a first mobile cart configuration,a second shelter configuration, and a third collapsed configuration. Thefollowing description and examples illustrate some embodiments of themobile shelter in detail. Numerous variations and modifications areencompassed by the scope of this application. Accordingly, descriptionsof certain embodiments should not be deemed to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure.

In several embodiments, the invention comprises a convertible mobileshelter. The shelter, in one embodiment, comprises a chassis coupled toa plurality of wheels, a base coupled to the chassis, at least one framehingeably connected to the chassis, a weatherproof covering enclosing atleast a portion of the shelter. In one embodiment, the frame is moveablebetween a first position wherein the frame is substantiallyperpendicular to the chassis, and a second position wherein the frame issubstantially parallel to the chassis and coplanar with the chassis. Inone embodiment, the covering forms a weather-protected interior volume.In one embodiment, the shelter ranges from about 5 feet to about 12 feetin length and about 2 feet to about 6 feet in width when the frame is inthe second position.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the mobile shelter 100 disclosed inthe present application in a first configuration, also referred toherein as the “cart configuration.” In this configuration, the mobileshelter 100 generally defines an interior volume. As used herein, anyreference to the “interior” refers to the portion of the structure thatis closest to the interior volume defined by the mobile shelter 100,whereas “exterior” refers to the outer portion of the structure.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the mobile shelter 100 comprises a chassis106. The chassis 106 is substantially parallel to the ground andprovides the primary base support for the mobile shelter 100. In someembodiments, the chassis 106 has a rectangular shape, although any shapechassis 106 may be used. The chassis is connected to a plurality ofwheels 108, enabling the mobile shelter 100 to roll across a surface.The chassis 106 provides structural support for the base 109 of themobile shelter 100. In one embodiment, the device has one wheel, twowheels, three wheels, four wheels, or more.

In one embodiment, the base 109 is horizontal in relation to the surfaceover which the cart is rolling, for example the ground. In someembodiments, the base 109 is fixedly attached to the chassis 106. Inother embodiments, the base 109 is removable from the chassis 106. Insome embodiments, the base 109 is perforated to allow fluid, such asrainwater, to drain from the base 109. In some embodiments, the base 109may be adapted to provide extra comfort for an occupant, for example byadding padding to the base 109.

The chassis 106 is connected to first frame 110. The first frame 110defines one side of the mobile shelter 100 when in its cartconfiguration. In some embodiments, the first frame 110 is hingeablyattached to the chassis 106. For example, in the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 1, hinging mechanisms 101 allow the first frame 110 to moveabout an axis defined by an edge of the chassis 106. The amount ofmovement of the first frame 110 will depend on the hinging mechanism 101used. In some embodiments, the first frame 110 is able to move such thatthe first frame 110 lies on top of the chassis 106 or base 109 if thefirst frame is moved in a direction towards the interior of the mobileshelter 100. In some embodiments, the first frame 110 may be movedtowards the exterior of the mobile shelter 100, such that the firstframe rests on or near the ground. Various methods for allowing thefirst frame 110 to move relative to the chassis 106 in the desiredmanner can be employed according to several embodiments of theinvention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a first wall 140 may be formed by coupling asolid surface to the interior of the first frame 110. This first wall140 assists in containing items within the cart when the mobile shelter100 is in its first cart configuration.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a second frame 115 and second wall 142 mayalso be attached to the chassis 106 opposite the first frame 110 andfirst wall 140. Hinges 111 allow movement of the second frame in asimilar manner to the movement described with respect to the firstframe.

The mobile shelter 100 may further comprise compartments 146, 148 forstoring the user's personal belongings. The compartments 146, 148 may beany shape or size, and located in various positions on the mobileshelter 100. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the compartments146, 148 are attached to frames 110, 115.

The mobile shelter may have a handle to assist the user in moving theshelter. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, handles 152, 154 areattached to the top of the compartments, 146, 148. The handles may be ofvarious shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the handles are attachedto frames 110, 115.

The chassis 106 may be connected to at least one vertical supportstructure, which defines the height of the mobile shelter. Theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises two primary supportstructures 112, 114. The primary support structures 112, 114 provide theheight and covering support for the structure. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1, the primary support structures 112, 114 extendsubstantially vertically from the chassis 106, bend and extendsubstantially horizontally across the width of the chassis 106, and thenextend vertically to the chassis 106. The support structures 112, 114could be replaced by support structures of various shapes and sizes toobtain the desired characteristics, including roof line. For example,the two support structures 112, 114 shown in FIG. 1 may be replaced byfour posts extending vertically from each corner of the chassis 106. Insome embodiments, support structures 112, 114 may be unnecessary, as thefirst and second frames 110, 115, or the first and second walls 140,142, may adequately support the covering of the mobile shelter 100 (notshown in FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, one or more primary support structures may behingeably or releasably attached to the chassis 106. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1, primary support structures 112, 114 are connectedto the chassis 106 at hinges 103. Hinges 103 allow the primary supportstructures 112, 114 to fold inward and lay substantially parallel to thechassis 106 when the mobile shelter is in its third configuration.

In some embodiments, the primary support structures may be connected byone or more top support 130, which may extend across the top of thestructure between the primary support structures. In some embodiments,the top support is parallel to the base 109. The primary supportstructures 112, 114 and top support 130 may be formed of any rigidmaterial substantially capable of maintaining its shape when exposed tothe elements, for example strong winds. In some preferred embodiments,the primary support structures 112, 114 and top support 130 comprise alightweight metal such as aluminum, although other metals and alloys maybe used. In other embodiments, the primary support structures 112, 114and top support 130 may comprise lightweight composite materials,plastics, and the like. Carbon fiber and/or fiberglass may be used insome embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a mobile shelter 100 in a second configuration,sometimes referred to herein as the “shelter configuration.” In theshelter configuration, the mobile shelter 100 provides a living spacesufficient for a human adult to lie down. In several embodiments, theshelter can accommodate 2-3 individuals.

As illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first frame 110hinges relative to the chassis 106 such that the first wall 140 servesas an extension of the base 109. In several embodiments, the first andsecond frame may optionally be positioned in a similar manner in theshelter configuration (e.g., both positioned substantially co-planarwith the base 109) as illustrated in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, thesecond frame 115 is moved about the hinges 113 to allow the second wall142 to further extend the sleeping area available for the occupant.Alternatively, one frame may be positioned substantially co-planar withthe base 109 while the other is maintained in a position perpendicularto the base 109.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, compartments 146, 148 functionas supports for the first and second frames 110, 115, and thecompartments 146, 148 are sized such that the first and second frames110, 115 are substantially co-planar with the chassis 106 and such thatthe first and second walls 140, 142 are substantially co-planar with thebase 109. A variety of mechanisms can be used to support the first andsecond frames 110, 115 when the mobile shelter 100 is in its shelterconfiguration to provide a sleeping surface, which comprises the base109 and optionally the front wall 140 and optionally the second wall142, that is substantially horizontal. By way of example only, the firstand second frames may be supported by one or more legs that would serveas handles when the mobile shelter 100 is in the cart configuration.Alternatively, the hinges 101 may be mechanically limited such that thefirst and/or second frames 110, 115 cannot hinge and/or rotate beyondthe point at which the first and/or second frames 110, 115 aresubstantially co-planar with the chassis 106.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, at least one primary vertical supportstructure may be used to provide height to the mobile shelter 100 andincrease the interior volume of the shelter. FIG. 2 shows two primaryvertical support structures 112, 114, which provide support for thecovering of the shelter. A top support member 130 may extend between theprimary vertical support structures 112, 114 to further support thecovering of the shelter 100. As previously described, various shapes andsizes of posts, beams, and other support members may be used in place ofthe primary vertical support structures 112, 114 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The shape of the mobile shelter may be defined by various secondarysupport members. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2,the first and second frames 110, 115 are connected to secondary supportstructures 202, 204. One or more secondary support structures of asuitable shape or size can be used to define the desired shape of theinterior volume. In one embodiment, the secondary support structure willbe hingeably or releasably connected so that the mobile shelter 100 caneasily be converted into a third collapsed configuration. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, secondary support structures 202, 204may be hingeably connected to the first and second frames 110, 115.

The mobile shelter 100 may be capable of converting to a third,collapsed configuration, which enables easy transport of the mobileshelter 100. Intermediate collapsed formats, e.g. for stacking,transport, or storage are provided in some embodiments.

In several embodiments, the mobile shelter embodiments described hereinare adapted for campers and outdoor activities. In some embodimentsdescribed herein, the shelter may comprise security features. In oneembodiment, alarms and/or cameras are provided. In another embodiment,one or more locks are provided. In other embodiments, tracking features(such as GPS devices) are incorporated into the system.

FIG. 3A illustrates a plurality of mobile shelters, each shown partiallycollapsed and stacked on top of one another. As illustrated in FIG. 3A,the hingeably connected primary vertical support structures 112 and 114may be lowered and are substantially parallel to the chassis 106. In theillustrated embodiment, the primary vertical support structures are flatagainst the chassis to minimize the space required to store stackedshelters. However, in some embodiments, the primary vertical supportstructures 112 and 114 are not positioned flat against the chassis 106.

As further illustrated in FIG. 3A, the first frame 110 is rotated abouthinging mechanism 101 such that the first frame is substantiallyco-planar with the chassis 106 and supported by compartment 146. Thesecond frame 115 is similarly rotated about hinging mechanism 111 and issupported by compartment 148. Secondary supports 202 and 204 are rotatedby means of secondary support hinges 126 to allow the secondary supportsto lie substantially co-planar to, but above, frame 110 and 115,respectively. When stacked, the wheels 108 of the first partiallycollapsed shelter rest on the ground or surface of a transportmechanism. The wheels of subsequently stacked carts rest on the loweredprimary vertical support structures 112 and 114. In certain embodimentsdiscussed herein, the wheels 108 of the shelter comprise a brake orlocking mechanism to prevent unwanted movement of the shelter.Advantageously, when the wheels of the first shelter are unlocked, thehandle 152 or 154 of any of the carts may be used to maneuver the stackof carts into a desired position for transport or storage. Moreover, thewheels of one or more of the shelters may be locked to prevent unwantedmovement of the stacked shelters during transport or storage.

FIG. 3B illustrates one embodiment of a mobile shelter 100 in itscollapsed configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the hingeblyconnected primary vertical support structures 112 and 114 may be loweredand are substantially parallel to the chassis 106. In some embodiments,the primary vertical support structures are flat against the chassis tominimize the space required to store the structure in its collapsedconfiguration.

As further illustrated in FIG. 3B, the first frame 110 is folded athinge 312 such that the section of the frame below the hinge remainssubstantially upright and perpendicular to the chassis 106, while theportion of the frame above the hinge is lowered to lie substantiallyparallel to the chassis 106. As shown, the second frame 115 is similarlyfolded at hinge 314. In the collapsed configuration, as shown, thesecondary supports 202 and 204 may be rotated by means of secondarysupport hinges 126 to allow the secondary supports to lie between theupper portion of the frames and the main supports in their loweredposition. As shown, the first and second secondary supports are rotatedaway from the first and second frame respectively, such that the firstsecondary support 202 is angled beneath the second frame 115, and thesecond secondary support 204 is angled beneath the first frame 110. Inother embodiments, each secondary support could rotate towards the frameto which it is attached such that it fits substantially flat beneath theframe to which it is attached. In other embodiments, the secondarysupports could be removable instead of hinged, such that they may bestored flat against the main supports in the lowered position.

As shown, compartments 146, 148 remain attached to the frames 110, 115such that when the shelter is in its collapsed configuration, thecompartments sit flat above the top of the collapsed structure. Thehandles 152 and 154, as shown, remain attached to the compartments,positioned between the compartments at the top center of the collapsedstructure. In some embodiments the handles and/or compartments may beremovable such that they may be stored separately from the rest of thestructure. In other embodiments, the structure may not include handles,or may not include compartments.

FIG. 4 illustrates the mobile shelter 100 in its shelter configuration,as shown in FIG. 2. As can be seen from the embodiment illustrated, thecovering 402 provides shelter to the occupant of the mobile shelter. Inone embodiment, the covering is waterproof and/or windproof to protectthe occupant from the elements. In some embodiments, the covering maycomprise one or more windows 404, which allow an occupant inside theshelter to view the surroundings outside the shelter. The windows mayhave a removable covering 406 to provide additional privacy andprotection from the elements when the window is covered. The covering402 may also comprise one or more closeable entry points 408 for entryand exit from the structure. In certain embodiments, the entry point 408is reversibly openable by way of a zipper, snaps, buttons, hook and loopclosure, or other similar devices. In certain embodiments comprising twoor more closeable entry points, certain points may be joined together toconvert the covering 402 for the shelter configuration into the cover502 for the cart configuration.

In one embodiment, the covering is made of plastic material and/or otherpolymers. Tent material is used in several embodiments. In someembodiments, the covering has a weight of 20-200 grams per 1000 meter ofthe thread used in the fabric. In several embodiments, the fabric is25d, 50d, 75d, or 100d. In some embodiments, the cover is waterresistant. In some embodiments, the covering is 20-200 psi, e.g., 25psi, 50 psi, 75 psi, or 100 psi (pound per square inch with respect tothe weight of water that can exert pressure on a square inch of thefabric without leaking).

In other embodiments, the covering comprises nylon, polyethylene,polypropylene, polyurethane, or combinations thereof. In yet otherembodiments, the covering is a cloth material that is optionally layeredwith a waterproof plastic material. Canvas is used in some embodiments.In alternative embodiments, the covering is coated with a waterproofcoating. Waterproof or breathable laminates are used in someembodiments. The covers may use a layering system of different materialsto form a strong and waterproof but breathable fabric (including, butnot limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene and other fluoropolymerproducts).

FIG. 5 illustrates the mobile shelter 100 in its cart configuration, asshown in FIG. 1. As can be seen from the embodiment illustrated, thecovering 502 provides protection for items stored within the cart whilein its cart configuration. Preferably the covering is waterproof and/orwindproof to protect the stored items from the elements. Any variety orcombination of fabrics discussed above may be used for the covering ofthe cart configuration. In certain embodiments, as discussed above, thecover 502 for the cart configuration is created by coupling one or moreof the points of entry 408 of the cover 402 for the shelterconfiguration. In certain other embodiments, the cover 502 is a separatecover. Coupling can include joining, attaching, or operably couplingwith or without an intermediary.

Embodiments of the invention have are described above. While thestructure has been described in terms of certain specific embodiments,there is no intention to limit the invention to the same. It will beunderstood that the foregoing is only illustrative of the principles ofthe invention, and that various modifications, alterations, andcombinations can be made by those skilled in the art without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the invention.

1.-13. (canceled)
 14. A mobile shelter capable of converting between afirst cart position and a second shelter position, the mobile sheltercomprising: a chassis coupled to a plurality of wheels; a base coupledto the chassis; two frames hingeably connected to the chassis such thatthe frames are moveable between the first cart position and the secondshelter position, wherein in the second shelter position the frames aresubstantially parallel to the chassis and coplanar with the chassis;wherein the mobile shelter is configured to be movable when the mobileshelter is in the first cart position; a support coupled to each of thetwo frames; and two primary supports that extend substantiallyvertically from a first side of the chassis, are positioned between thetwo frames, extend substantially horizontally across a width of thechassis, and extend substantially vertically to a second side of thechassis when the mobile shelter is in the second shelter position. 15.The mobile shelter of claim 14, wherein the supports comprise storagecompartments.
 16. The mobile shelter of claim 14, wherein the supportscomprise legs.
 17. The mobile shelter of claim 14, further comprising aweatherproof covering enclosing at least a portion of the shelter, thecovering connected to the frames and creating a weather-protectedinterior volume when the mobile shelter is in the second shelterposition.
 18. The mobile shelter of claim 14, wherein at least onehandle is connected to the shelter.
 19. The mobile shelter of claim 14,wherein a wall is coupled to each of said two frames.
 20. The mobileshelter of claim 14, wherein the mobile shelter is further movable to athird collapsed position.
 21. The mobile shelter of claim 14, furthercomprising one or more locking mechanisms to prevent movement of themobile shelter.
 22. The mobile shelter of claim 14, wherein theplurality of wheels comprises three or four wheels.
 23. A mobile sheltercapable of converting between a first cart position and a second shelterposition, the mobile shelter comprising: a chassis coupled to aplurality of wheels; a base coupled to the chassis; two frames hingeablyconnected to the chassis such that the frames are moveable between thefirst cart position and the second shelter position, wherein in thesecond shelter position the frames are substantially parallel to thechassis and coplanar with the chassis; wherein the mobile shelter isconfigured to be movable when the mobile shelter is in the first cartposition; and a support coupled to each of the two frames, wherein thesupports are positioned between the respective frame and a groundsurface and configured to space the respective frame apart from theground surface when the mobile shelter is in the second shelterposition, wherein the supports comprise storage compartments.
 24. Themobile shelter of claim 23, further comprising a weatherproof coveringenclosing at least a portion of the shelter, the covering connected tothe frames and creating a weather-protected interior volume when themobile shelter is in the second shelter position.
 25. The mobile shelterof claim 23, wherein at least one handle is connected to the shelter.26. The mobile shelter of claim 23, wherein a wall is coupled to each ofsaid two frames.
 27. The mobile shelter of claim 23, wherein the mobileshelter is further movable to a third collapsed position.
 28. The mobileshelter of claim 23, further comprising one or more locking mechanismsto prevent movement of the mobile shelter.
 29. A mobile shelter capableof converting between a first cart position, a second shelter positionand a third stacked position, the mobile shelter comprising: a chassiscoupled to a plurality of wheels; a base coupled to the chassis; twoframes hingeably connected to the chassis such that the frames aremoveable between the first cart position, the second shelter positionand the third stacked position, wherein in the second shelter positionand the third stacked position the frames are substantially parallel tothe chassis and coplanar with the chassis; wherein the mobile shelter isconfigured to be movable when the mobile shelter is in the first cartposition and the mobile shelter is configured to be able to stackagainst another mobile shelter when the mobile shelter is in the thirdstacked position; and a support coupled to each of the two frames, onehingeably connected to each frame, movable between the second shelterposition wherein the supports are substantially perpendicular to thechassis and the third stacked position wherein the supports liesubstantially parallel to and above the frames.
 30. The mobile shelterof claim 29, further comprising a weatherproof covering enclosing atleast a portion of the shelter, the covering connected to the frames andcreating a weather-protected interior volume when the mobile shelter isin the second shelter position.
 31. The mobile shelter of claim 29,wherein the supports comprise legs.
 32. The mobile shelter of claim 29,further comprising one or more locking mechanisms to prevent movement ofthe mobile shelter.
 33. The mobile shelter of claim 29, wherein themobile shelter is further movable to a fourth collapsed position.